An artist’s colony, Mendocino is perched on a scenic headland north of San Francisco.  A great place for Family Vacations, Mendocino is a popular getaway site for Bay area residents.  Visit the city’s Official Tourism Site for complete listings of Family Hotels in the area and tips for local activities.  Their experienced staff directed us to the beachfront resort at Mar Vista Cottages.  This pet-friendly, kid-friendly lodging is unique, boasting acres of gardens, soaking tubs, picnic areas, and a large pond, with a trail right down to the beach.  The owner’s hospitality is memorable.  She even went out shopping to provide us a fully-stocked larder upon arrival.  The rooms are spotlessly clean, comfortable, and well-equipped.

For a romantic getaway at Mendocino, we recommend the exquisite MacCallum House Bed & Breakfast.  The “Gwen MacCallum” room earns its reputation as “one of the most romantic rooms in the house” with a beautiful sleigh bed, ocean view, and claw-foot tub for two!  We enjoyed the dramatic “Master Bedroom” with exceptional wood paneling and rich antique furnishings.  The MacCallum House is both kid-friendly and pet-friendly (outside of the main house) if you’re traveling with children.  There’s cottages, two detached houses, and vacation rental properties connected to the B&B.